Chest protector for trail riding?

[tuowtraws]

Anyone riding with chest or rib protection outside of a bike park? Thinking of something like TLD Stage Ghost D30 Vest, Scott Softcon Air, or Leatt Chest Protector ReaFlex.

Can't find much in the way of reviews online. Wondering how breathable these could really be when pedalling uphill, and if they actually offer a notable amount of coverage.

[evdog]

I can't see any of them being light / breathable enough to wear on any ride that involves any climbing. And if they did, doubt they would offer enough protection to be worthwhile. Not something I plan on wearing again. If you ride a lot of bike park or for DH racing where there is pretty much no climbing, sure.

[skinipenem]

Might check out g- form. For a very lightweight shirt with chest protection. Looks like minimal coverage, though.

I guess it depends on exactly what you are trying to protect. Xiphoid, sternum, ribs, etc...



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[toast2266]

Anything that's even remotely bearable to wear while climbing is going to offer light abrasion protection at best.

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[beaterdit]

I don't think there's anything that protects ribs and the sternum is one of the strongest bones in the body. Makes sense for moto to protect from roost but personally I don't see the point of these for MTB. Also agree anything that offers much protection will be way too hot to pedal in. I'm more interested in protecting my shoulders/AC joint/distal collarbone but again, anything that provides much protection is gonna be too hot. Maybe for DH exclusively but still more interested in shoulder protection. Anything that's like a padded undershirt would get real gross real quick unless you wash it every day. I wear a clean jersey every day if I can.

[Flounder]

Several years ago I had a late season crash and broke a couple of ribs. By the time I recovered it was ski season. 2 years later I had another crash that hurt my ribs but not as bad. It was earlier in the season and I wanted to start riding again quickly. I got a Troy Lee padded shirt because I didn’t want to risk another fall while healing. It’s hot on the climb as others have said. I got a tight fitting wicking tank to wear under it and it was a noticeable improvement. Made it through that season and since then I only wear it at the bike park. Riding with one all the time is doable but it sucks.

[raisingarizona13]

No.

Like, a big fucking hell no.

[North]

I wouldn't wear one for MTB, but for moto or downhill, the Alpinestars A2 offers good rib protection. The Leat 6.0 is the only other one I've found that protects ribs but it's a tank. I tried on everything in the store that looked like it might work while I had a cracked rib. Most did not have pads that came up high enough. A2 works great for me on the moto. I wear it without the shoulder pads.

[meepmoop24]

I've been considering one of the over jersey back/chest protectors for gnarlier trails. I'm looking at the Leatt 4.5 Pro Evo and it looks pretty well ventilated, plus I can unbuckle it on the pedal up for more airflow.

I wouldn't wear it for trail riding, but for pedal then plummet trails I think it could work well.